North Korea’s $500,000 Donation to Japan: Why That’s a Big Chunk of Change

Japan’s neighbor has taken notice of the quake-stricken nation, and is helping out with a $500,000 donation.

Pyongyang’s official news agency said that they have sent half a million dollars to help out with the Japan effort and to aid Korean expats living there. This amount may seem tiny for most nations. But according to the Bank of Korea, only 520 North Koreans in the whole country even made $500,000 in 2009. With an approximate population of 24 million people, that’s not exactly a lot. In fact, it’s much less than one percent.

No one’s not exactly sure why the nation, which has dealt with famine, even donated, but the help is most likely appreciated. North Korea’s Red Cross has also apparently sent $100,000 to Japan separately from the government.